Doll house constructed of two members



Feb. 15, 1966 l. STARR 3,234,680

DOLL HOUSE CONSTRUCTED OF TWO MEMBERS Filed Feb. 4, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 F IG. 2.

INVENTOR.

IRVING STARR ATTORNEY.

I Feb. 15, 1966 l. STARR 3,234,680

DOLL HOUSE CONSTRUCTED OF TWO MEMBERS Filed Feb. 4, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 4

INVENTOR. IRVING STARR Co'Mo/MIPWJ ATTORNEY.

United States Patent 3,234,680 DOLL HOUSE CONSTRUCTED OF TWO MEMBERS Irving Starr, 8560 Everett Ave., St. Louis 17, M0.

Filed Feb. 4, 1963, Ser. No. 255,835

8 Claims. (Cl. 46-21) This invention relates generally to improvements in a play construction unit, and more particularly to improvements in a device of this type which can be adapted for a wide variety of play articles especially suitable for children.

An important object is to provide a simplified construction unit having a uni-wall structure that can be quickly and easily assembled by anyone including children of very tender years into a building such as a doll house, gas station or the like, all parts of the interior being readily accessible through the top and ends.

Another important objective is achieved by the provision of a play construction unit made of only two sheet members that can be readily folded and connected for assembly and play, and as readily knocked-down and folded flat for storage. The first member includes a base and spaced side walls extending upwardly, and the second member includes spaced end portions extending between and connected to the side walls of the first member, and an integral partition extending between and interconnecting the end portions, the partition dividing the space between the side walls into separate compartments.

Still another important object is realized in that the item possesses an extremely high play value for small children. It can be used, for example, as a doll house having two rooms into which furniture can be placed, each room having an entrance opening to which access may be had. This doll house can be particularly adapted for use with the presently popular 11 /2 inch dolls.

An important objective is afforded in that the side walls of the first sheet member are connected to the base along fold lines, and in that the partition of the second sheet member is integrally connected to the end portions along fold lines. Thus it is seen that the entire unit is constructed only of two sheet members.

Another important object is achieved by the specific unitary construction of the second sheet member which rigidly connects to and maintains the assembly with the first sheet member, and which provides a top-open structure with two compartments and with suitable entrance openings in the ends to each compartment.

The unitary second sheet member is cut generally in a direction between yet spaced from the ends of the second member, is provided with a fold line extending from each end of the cut to one side of the second member, and is cut from the opposite side of the second member to the first cut, whereby to provide a pair of end portions interconnected by an integral partition between the fold lines.

Other important advantages are realized by arranging the fold lines which define the ends of the partition in substantially parallel relation and by extending the second cut from the above stated opposite side of the second member to the first cut intermediate the fold lines. With this structure, tabs are provided on the end portions that can be conveniently attached to the side wall portions of the first sheet member.

An important object is realized by the described structural arrangement stated above in that when the partition is folded inwardly about the fold lines with the end portions disposed in spaced relation, entrance openings are provided at diagonally opposite corners of the unit, each leading to a different compartment formed by the partition.

Another important objective is to provide a constructional play unit of this type that is simple and durable in strucice ture, economical to manufacture, extremely rigid when assembled and which can be used by very young children with little or no instruction.

The foregoing and numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will more clearly appear from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, particularly when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the second sheet member when laid out fiat;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the two sheet members comprising the play construction unit;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the construction unit fully assembled, and

FIG. 4 is a reduced top plan view of the unit as seen along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

Referring now by characters of reference to the drawings, and first to FIG. 2, it is seen that the play construction unit consists of a first member-generally indicated at 10 and a second member referred to at 11, such members being of a sheet material such as paper, cardboard or the like.

The first sheet member 10 includes a substantially fiat base portion 12 of a generally rectangular shape. Connected integrally with the base portion 12 along fold lines 13 and 14 are a pair of side wall portions 15 and 16 respectively. Of course, when stored, the side wall portions 15 and 16 are folded downwardly about the fold lines 13 and 14 into overlapping relation with the base portion 12 to provide a substantially flat article. When extended for use, these side walls 15 and 16 are unfolded upwardly into substantially parallel relation.

For reasons which will appear later upon further description of parts, the ends of the upper margins 17, 20 of side walls 15, 16 are provided with slots 21 and 22. Furthermore, the base portion 12 is provided with a plurality of elongate, narrow slots 23.

The second sheet member 11 is shown in layout position in FIG. 1. For convenience of reference, it will be noted that the second sheet member includes opposed side margins 24 and 25 and opposed end margins 26 and 27. The second sheet member 11 is cut longitudinally along a first out line 30 that extends generally in a direction between the opposed end margins 26 and 27 yet is spaced therefrom. At the ends of the first cut line 30 there are provided fold lines 31 and 32 that extend laterally from the first out line 30 to one of the side margins 25. Another out line 33 extends from the opposite side margin 24 inwardly to the first out line 30 intermediate its ends and between the fold lines 31 and 32.

With this structural arrangement a pair of end portions 34 and 35 are provided which can be arranged in spaced parallel relation as is shown in FIG. 2, the end portions 34 and 35 being integrally interconnected by a partition 36 defined by the first cut line 30 and the parallel fold lines 31 and 32.

Each of the end margins 26 and 27 of the second sheet member is cut inwardly along a out line 37 and 40 respectively for a short distance, such cut lines 37 and 40 being substantially aligned with the first out line 30. Fold lines 41 and 42 extend from the inner ends of the cut lines 37 and 40 to the side margin 25 to provide end flaps 43 and 44.

It is seen that the end portion 34 is now provided with opposed side tabs 45 and 46 that overlap the top margins 17 and 20 respectively of the side wall portions 15 and 16 of the first sheet member when assembled. Slots 47 and 48 are provided in the end tabs 45 and 46 to receive the side wall portions 15 and 16 and cooperate with the coacting slots 21 and 22 to connect the end portion 34 detachably.

Similarly, the end portion 35 includes a pair of opposed side tabs 50 and 51 that are adapted to overlap the upper margins 17 and 20 respectively of the side wall portions 15 and 16 comprising the first sheet member upon assembly. These tabs 50 and 51 are provided with a pair of slots 52 and 53 that receive the side wall portions 15 and 16 and cooperate with the coacting slots 21 and 22 to connect the end portion 35 detachably yet rigidly to the side wall portions 15 and 16.

The side margin 25 of the second sheet member is provided with a plurality of projections 54 that are adapted to interfit the compatible slots 23 formed in the base portion 12 when the second sheet member 11 is assembled to the first sheet member 10. It will be noted that each end portion 34 and 35 is provided with one of these projections 54, and that the partition 36 is provided with two of these projections 54. This connection between the side margin 25, which constitutes the lower margin of the second sheet member upon assembly, precludes any unintentional shifting, and cooperates with the detachable connection of the end portion tabs -46 and -51 to the side Wall portions 15 and 16 to form a rigid construction having great strength.

It is thought that the folding and assembly of the play construction unit has become fully apparent from the foregoing detailed description of parts, but for completeness of disclosure, such arrangement will be briefly described. First, the side wall portion 15 and 16 are folded upwardly about the fold lines 13 and 14 and held in a substantially parallel relation.

Then, the end portions 34 and 35 of the second sheet member 11 are folded about the fold lines 31 and 32 in a spaced parallel relation such that the end portions are interconnected by the integral partition 36 as is shown in FIG. 2. The second sheet member 11 is disposed over the base portion 12 and between the side wall por tions 15 and 16 of the first sheet member 10. The end flaps 43 and 44 are folded outwardly about the fold lines 41 and 42 respectively, these flaps 43 and 44 being adapted to engage the inner surface of the side wall portions 15 and 16 and serve as a brace to provide increased rigidity.

In connecting the second sheet member 11 to the first sheet member 10, the tabs 45 and 46 of the one end portion 34 are located over the upper margins 17 and 20 respectively of the side wall portions 15 and 16 and the cooperating slots 47 and 48 are interfitted with the coacting slots 21 and 22. In a similar manner, the tabs 50 and 51 of the end portion 35 are located over the upper margins 17 and 20 respectively of the side wall portions 15 and 16, and the cooperating slots 52 and 53 are interfitted with the coacting slots 21 and 22 of such side wall portions 15 and 16. Moreover, the projections 54 are inserted into the compatible slots 23 of the base portion 12.

Thus it is seen from FIG. 3 the sheet members 10 and 11 are completely assembled in a rigid construction having great strength. This unit is very easy and quick to assemble, and may be readily disassembled and folded for storage upon a mere reversal of the above procedural steps.

The partition 36 extending between the end portions 34 and 35 divides the space between the side wall portions 15 and 16 into separate compartments 55 and 56 as is best illustrated in FIG. 4. Each of these compartments 55 and 56 may be considered to be a separate room in the play construction unit into which furniture can be placed. For example, compartment 55 may be considered to be a dining room, While compartment 56 may be considered to be a kitchen of a childs doll house.

It will be importantly noted that the partition upon being folded inwardly between the spaced end portions 34 and 35 about the fold lines 31 and 32 provide entrance openings 57 and 60 at diagonally opposite corners of the unit, as is best seen in FIG. 3, the entrance opening 57 at one corner leading to the one compartment 56 at one side of the partition 36, while the other entrance opening 60 at the other corner leads to the other compartment 55 at the other side of the partition 36. The child utilizing this play construction unit can move the doll through the entrance openings 57 and 60 into the compartments 55 and 56 or can otherwise gain access to the compartments 55 and 56 through the entrance openings 57 and 60 for the placement of furniture.

It will also be noted that the play construction unit is open at the top between the end portions 34-35 and the side wall portions 15 and 16 to gain access freely to either one or both of the compartments 55 and 56. A wall opening 61 is provided in the side Wall portion 15 which communicates with the one compartment 55, thereby providing another access to such compartment.

The partition 36, in the preferred embodiment, is provided with a pair of reversed fold lines 62 and 63 which provide an offset step arrangement in the shape of the partition 36. The size and shape of the separate compartments 55 and 56 can be varied in this manner. A door 64 is provided in the partition 36 between the fold lines 62 and 63 so that the compartments 55 and 56 are in direct communication.

Although the invention has been described by making detailed reference to a single preferred embodiment, such detail is to be understood in an instructive, rather than in any restrictive sense, many variants being possible within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a play construction unit comprising:

(a) a first member and a unitary second member of sheet material,

(b) said first member including a base portion, and a pair of spaced side wall portions at opposite sides of the base portion, one side wall portion being attached to each side of the base portion, the side wall portions extending upwardly, and

(c) said second member including a pair of spaced end portions at opposite ends of the base portion and between said side wall portions, said end portions being attached to said side wall portions, and a partition integrally and angularly connected to said end portions along fold lines, the partition dividing the space between said side wall portions.

2. In a play construction unit as defined above in claim 1, but further characterized in that:

(d) the said second member being folding inwardly between said spaced end portions about said fold lines to provide entrance openings at diagonally opposite corners of the unit, the entrance opening at one corner leading to one compartment at one side of the partition while the other entrance opening at the other comer leads to the other compartment at the other side of the partition.

3. In a play construction unit comprising:

(a) a first member and a unitary second member of sheet material,

(b) said first member including a base portion, and a pair of spaced side wall portions at opposite sides of the base portion, one side wall portion being attached to each side of the base portion along a fold line, the side wall portions extending upwardly, and

(c) said second member constituting means including, when in unfolded condition, a first out line extending generally in a direction between yet spaced from the ends of the second member, a fold line angularly extending from each end of the first out line to one side edge of the second member, and a second cut line extending from the opposite side edge of the second member to said first out line, said second member being folded on said fold lines, whereby to provide a pair of end portions interconnected by an integral partition between said fold lines,

(d) said end portions being located over the base portion and between the side wall portions and being attached to said side wall portions, and

(e) said partition dividing the space between the said side wall portions and between the end portions into separate compartments.

4. The combination and arrangement of elements as recited above in claim 3, but further characterized in that:

(f) the said fold lines extending from each end of the first out line are substantially parallel,

(g) the second out line extends, when the second member is unfolded, from the said opposite side edge of the second member to an intermediate portion of the first cut line between the said parallel fold lines, and

(h) the said end portions are spaced and arranged at opposite ends of the base portion between the side wall portions with the partition folded about the said fold lines and interconnecting said spaced end portions.

5. In a play construction unit as defined in claim 3, but further characterized in that:

(f) each end portion has laterally projecting tabs overlapping the top of each associated side wall portion, and

(g) by the provision of means detachably intercom necting said tabs and said wall portions.

6. In a play construction unit comprising:

(a) a first member and a unitary second member of sheet material,

(b) said first member including a base portion, and a pair of spaced side wall portions at opposite sides of the base portion, one side wall portion being attached to each side edge of the base portion along a fold line, the side wall portions being folded upwardly, and

(c) said second member constituting means which is, when in unfolded condition, severed in a direction between yet spaced from the ends of the second member, and including a fold line extending from each end of the severed portion to one side edge of the second member, and being severed from the opposite side edge of the second member to the said first severed portion, said second member being folded on said fold lines whereby to provide a pair of end portions interconnected by an integral partition between said fold lines,

((1) said end portions being spaced and located at opposite ends of the base portion between the side wall portions, said end portions being attached to said side wall portions, and

(e) said partition dividing the space between the said side wall portions into separate compartments.

7. In a play contruction unit as defined in claim 6, but further characterized in that:

(f) said second member being folded inwardly between said spaced end panels about said fold lines 6 to provide entrance openings at diagonally opposite corners of the unit, the entrance opening at one corner leading to one compartment at one side of the partition while the other entrance opening at the other corner leads to the other compartment at the other side of the partition.

8. In a play construction unit comprising:

(a) a. first member and a unitary second member of sheet material,

(b) said first member including a base portion, and a pair of spaced side wall portions at opposite sides of the base portion and integrally connected to said base portion along fold lines, said side wall portions being folded upwardly into substantially upright position, and

(c) said second member constituting means including, when in unfolded condition, a first cut line extending generally in a direction between yet spaced from the ends of the second member, a fold line extending from each end of the first out line to one side edge of the second member, and a second cut line extending from the opposite side edge of the second member to the first cut line intermediate said fold lines, said second member being folded on said fold lines whereby to provide a pair of end portions interconi ected by an integral partition between said fold mes,

(d) said end portions being located over the base portion and between the side wall members, said end portions being arranged in spaced substantially parallel relation,

(e) each end portion having laterally projecting tabs overlapping the top of the associated side wall portion, and

(15) means detachably interconnecting each said tab and said associated side wall portion,

(g) said second member being folded inwardly between said spaced end panels about said parallel fold lines providing entrance openings at diagonally opposite corners of the unit, the entrance opening at one corner leading to one compartment at one side of the partition while the other entrance opening at the other corner leads to the other compart ment at the other side of the partition,

(h) the unit being open at the top for ready access to both of said compartments.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 560,094 5/1896 Gibson 46-13 1,107,757 8/1914 Catrevas 46-13 2,718,091 9/1955 Shrock 46-13 FOREIGN PATENTS 588,518 5/ 1947 Great Britain.

RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A PLAY CONSTRUCTION UNIT COMPRISING: (A) A FIRST MEMBER AND A UNITARY SECOND MEMBER OF SHEET MATERIAL, (B) SAID FIRST MEMBER INCLUDING A BASE PORTION, AND A PAIR OF SPACED SIDE WALLS PORTIONS AT OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE BASE PORTION, ONE SIDE WALL PORTION BEING ATTACHED TO EACH SIDE OF THE BASE PORTION, THE SIDE WALL PORTIONS EXTENDING UPWARDLY, AND (C) SAID SECOND MEMBER INCLUDING A PAIR OF SPACED END PORTIONS AT OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE BASE PORTION AND BETWEEN SAID SIDE WALL PORTIONS, SAID END PORTIONS BEING ATTACHED TO SAID SIDE WALL PORTIONS, AND A PARTITION INTEGRALLY AND ANGULARLY CONNECTED TO SAID END PORTIONS ALONG FOLD LINES, THE PARTITION DIVIDING THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID SIDE WALL PORTIONS. 